Participatory Demonstration of Concentrate-Based Fattening Technology of Black-Head Somali Sheep in Danod District, Dollo Zone, Somali Region

A cross-sectional study was carried out to participatory demonstration of concentrate-based fattening technology of Black Head Somali Sheep in Danod District of Dollo Zone, Somali Region. Twenty five (25) PAPAREGs have been selected based on interest, willingness to accept technology and become model for pastoralists/agro-pastoralists in the study area. Beneficiary agro-pastoralists, DAs and livestock experts were given trainings on improved small ruminant fattening techniques and feeding management of the experimental animals as awareness creation and capacity building. The experimental selected animals were prepared for supplementary feeding technological option made of ration constituting of 100% natural grass hay, 50% WB: 50% NC, 75% WB: 25% NC and 25% WB: 75% NC For T1, T2 T3 and T4 respectively. The proportions were offered to the experimental animals which have been already assigned randomly. Experimental feed was introduced to BHS at 0.3 kg/head/day with gradual increment within 14 days period. Initial live body weights have been measured and recorded prior to the experiment and weight gains were monitored through fortnight live body weight measurement and recording for a period of 90 days. Data was analyzed using Microsoft ware Excel 2007 and procedure of SAS. There has been a significantly (P < 0.05) difference in mean live body weights after the experiment. The Average Daily Gains (ADG) of sheep supplemented were higher than those not supplemented. ADG for sheep supplemented with concentration for treatment T2, T3 and T4 were 0.08, 0.06 and 0.10 kg/day, respectively. While, sheep in the control treatment yielded lowest daily gain 0.05 kg/day. The highest weight gain per animals were received for the T4 fed with 25% WB and 75% NC. Accordingly, the economic benefits agro-pastoralists obtained after selling their finished Blackhead Somali sheep were very high. Therefore, the 75% NC with 25% WB feeding technological options is recommended for scale up at larger scale.